George Ludwig von Guelph-d'Este

1660 - George Louis, Georg Ludwig or King George I born on the 28th of May in Hanover, Germany. He was the son of Ernest Augustus, elector of Hanover, and Sophia of the Palatinate, a granddaughter of King James I of England.

1682 - Married his cousin Sophia Dorothea of Celle.

1698 - 1727 - He succeeded his father as elector of Hanover.

1714 - His mother died on the 8th of June, he became heir to the throne, and on the death of Queen Anne on the 1st of August, the Whigs, who had just gained control of the government, ushered him into power.

1720 - He was reconciled to George, the South Sea Company suffered a financial collapse. In the ensuing scandal it became apparent that George and his mistresses had taken part in South Sea Company transactions of questionable legality, but Walpole's skill in handling the House of Commons saved the king from disgrace.